When a contractor raises a shield two feet off the bottom of a trench to clear a utility crossing, is this acceptable to OSHA?

The correct response is that raising a shield two feet off the bottom of a trench is acceptable to OSHA if the shield is certified for full depth. When trench shields are designed and certified for full depth use, they provide adequate protection against cave-ins throughout their specified range. This certification indicates that the shield can effectively protect workers even when it is not placed directly on the bottom of the trench.

In contrast, raising a shield without proper certification can lead to unsafe conditions. Safety regulations focus on ensuring that protection measures effectively mitigate risks associated with excavations. If the shield is certified for full depth, it means that the design has been tested to handle the forces exerted on it and will provide sufficient protection to workers, even with adjustments to its position within the trench.